Man Caught with 36 iPhones Taped to Body at Port of Colonia

Authorities at the Port of Colonia, in a joint operation with the National Directorate of Customs, have detained and convicted a man attempting to illegally import a significant quantity of high-end cell phones. The man was discovered with 36 iPhones taped to his body under his clothing during routine checks.

The incident occurred when the man's suspicious appearance during passenger control prompted officials to direct him through an electronic scanner. The device revealed anomalies consistent with hidden packages, leading to his apprehension after a brief escape attempt.

Customs specialists in Colonia appraised the smuggled iPhones at a commercial value of $2,680,500 (approximately US$67,000), a sum far exceeding the legal limits for personal effects without declaration. Following his arrest, a search of a residence in the western part of the city was conducted to gather further evidence.

The man faced a hearing at the Colonia Court and was found guilty of smuggling. He received a 12-month prison sentence, to be served under probation with community service requirements.